Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Seattle by Night
Friday, February 19, 2010
Beauty All Around Us...
I love this weather we've been having! I just can't get enough of it...
Spring is here!!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy New Year of the Tiger and Valentine's Day!
Based on how today is going, I'm going to go out on a limb and say SPRING IS HERE!!! What an amazing day to celebrate such wonderful times! I had the privilege to check out the Victoria Tea Festival today - unfortunately I didn't bring my camera with me (what the heck right?), but I highly recommend it to anyone who might want to go next year or the years after that... I hope it'll only get bigger and bigger from now on, and while doing my exit-survey I made sure to let them know that we'd love to see MORE!
My favourite pick from the Tea Festival:
If you want to try something yummy for a cozy day at home, then may I suggest a fairly-traded black tea from India called "Madhupur". It is naturally grown, hand-picked and crafted and it tastes amazing! It has a really nice, smooth, smoky taste to it. You can read more about these wonderful teas and people here. (the blog doesn't seem all that up to date, but it has all the info necessary to get the gyst!). I am drinking my cup of Madhupur with milk and sugar right now! (This particular picture was not taken by me - I borrowed it from the website above).
Meanwhile, our garden is starting to feel a lot more spring-y! Check out my Crocuses that are in full bloom already! I took these pictures as soon as I got home from the festival :)
I even had a visitor while I was taking pictures of another bouquet of flowers I received from Kory yesterday! (I know, he must really love me or something!!).
Yep... spring is definitely here!!
If you want to try something yummy for a cozy day at home, then may I suggest a fairly-traded black tea from India called "Madhupur". It is naturally grown, hand-picked and crafted and it tastes amazing! It has a really nice, smooth, smoky taste to it. You can read more about these wonderful teas and people here. (the blog doesn't seem all that up to date, but it has all the info necessary to get the gyst!). I am drinking my cup of Madhupur with milk and sugar right now! (This particular picture was not taken by me - I borrowed it from the website above).
Meanwhile, our garden is starting to feel a lot more spring-y! Check out my Crocuses that are in full bloom already! I took these pictures as soon as I got home from the festival :)
My roses that I received from Kory <3 They are gorgeous. The weather was so beautiful outside that I had to take them out there and photograph them in the natural light. The photo does not do any natural thing justice, but this will do in a pinch!
I even had a visitor while I was taking pictures of another bouquet of flowers I received from Kory yesterday! (I know, he must really love me or something!!).
Yep... spring is definitely here!!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
My dedication to Alexander McQueen
To someone who had guts in the fashion world, where everyone else remained "beige". To someone who created a bond between art and fashion. To someone who's genius mind and creative spirit were taken away from us much too soon.
Alexander McQueen
1970-2010
And let's hope that Gaga keeps his art displayed for many years to come
Monday, February 8, 2010
iPhone applications worth mentioning..
Lately, I have been trying to find applications (apps) for my iPhone that will encourage me to use it more for what it really is, rather than just a phone or music player. I have narrowed it down to a few apps that I think everyone should have. I tried to keep this on the topic of photography, but ... as you see... it's a variety of things.
The apps that everyone should have, or at least, try once:
1) Iron Camera - a camera simulator, that allows you to zoom-in/out, add vignette, set a timer and choose your own size. And all that BEFORE you even take the picture. Once the picture is taken, you have the option to choose a frame, a filter, add blur, or even some cute little stamps. The reason I liked this app was because it takes a picture MUCH faster than the standard camera on the iPhone would. The processing takes longer, but the snap is much faster (perfect for fast moving subjectsHere are some examples of photos I've taken with this app:
2) Histamatic - another camera app that simulates old school cameras out of the 50s and 60s. Each photo is completely different - and right from start you have the option between three different lenses, and three different types of film (you may purchase other "hisptapaks" allowing you to have more options with film and lenses..) Each film and lens combo produces a completely different result - making this camera completely unpredictable and extremely fun. It even has a "flash" button, which makes the winding real sound, and adds a little bit of brightness to your photo. Here is the same subject, taken with two different types of lenses:
vs.
3) Stanza : an electronic book reader for your phone. Would not give this up for anything. I've already read about 4 books this way and it cannot get more simple than that. This app is free with the iTunes App Store and gives you access to hundreds of classics for free! The pages turn with just one touch, and you have the ability to change font size, style, choose chapters, and best of all: define words that you're unsure of RIGHT THERE AND THERE~! Love this app. I have also been able to find some torrents with e-books that Stanza is compatible with (yay free books). The picture below shows what it looks like, and the bars on top and bottom disappear after about 5 seconds
4) Loseit: a nutritional database that allows you to track your calorie and exercise intake. They have an EXTENSIVE list of foods and exercises, allowing you to do this accurately. I love it because it has made me aware of portions and how many times a day I eat. Also, for people who are into it, the app allows you to track your nutritional intakes as well: sugar, cholesterol, fat, etc. Not just calories.
5) Jamie Oliver's 20 Minute Meals: How amazing is having Jamie Oliver PRACTICALLY in your kitchen while you're cooking? Well that's what this app feels like for me. There are lots of videos, step by step instructions, hundred's of recipes to choose from, ability to make shopping lists based on your choice of dish, and voice-overs from Jamie as you're cooking. Love it. Jamie Oliver took his time making this one - adding personal videos teaching us everything from: how to choose your herbs and cut them properly, to how to stock up your fridge, and how to cook your pasta. Apparently the app is constantly updated with new recipes and videos, so there is no possibility of getting bored of his meals! Highly recommended.
I hope my reviews and information has given you guys some food for thought! These kinds of "secrets" just need to shared. LOVE IT.
xoxo
Dottie
Friday, February 5, 2010
"Vancouver City" by InnerLife Project feat. Linda Ganzini
Amazing, absolutely worth watching, and ... pretty much leaving me speechless.
Enjoy!!
Enjoy!!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Dezine: Local Drum n' Bass Goodness
I have the pleasure of knowing and being able to listen to Dezine, a Victoria local who plays some awesome tunes at venues around town. Check out my official, and first, interview with Matt - the man behind Dezine. Best of all, I had the pleasure of photographing his show February 3rd, 2010 @ Hush. (aka. Dudes with Dreads Dropping DnB and Dubstep!)
Q: What inspires your music making?
A: I've always been big into music, even though I never actually learned to play any instruments. My mom said she would put head phones on her pregnant belly to make me stop fussing in utero. So I particularly enjoy musics ability to completely change one's emotional state. A bad day can be ended simply by hearing certain notes arranged in a pleasant fashion. Or a good day can be soured by the opposite.
Q: What type of music do you play?
A: I play a type of music called 'Drum and Bass' or sometimes 'Jungle'. It started as Hip-Hop's answer to the House and Disco music that was so prevalent in the early 90s rave and club scene. Drum and Bass, at its core, is essentially just Hip-Hop beats running at double time to give a more punchy dancing feel to them. Since those early days however, it's now a genre that incorporates everything but rocking heavy metal to smooth light jazz. It's definitely this range of sounds and styles that drew me towards the genre.
Q: How long have you been DJ-ing
A: I've been playing records for about 4 years now, and doing studio productions for the past year.
Q: What's your influence? And your inspiration?
A: I'm definitely heavily influenced by a lot of the music that my mom listened to when I was growing up. Mostly old folk stuff like Paul Simon and anything with powerful female vocalists like Jan Arden or Tracey Chapman. So needless to say I never found commonality with any other kids on issues of music. When every one else was listening to Green Day, Metallica, and Blink 182, I was decidedly on a different musical path.
My inspiration today comes from all the new artists that show up in the scene on almost a weekly basis. Specifically the likes of two artists, one called 'Netsky' and another 'Bop'. Both are also extremely new to the scene having only shown up in the past year. While Netsky has taken the sounds and styles of artists that have come before him and put his own unique touch to it. Bop however, is championing a sound unlike anything anyone else is making anywhere. Both are amazing artists that I highly recommend looking into, even if you don't fancy yourself a fan of of electronic music.
Q: What's your favourite track (out there right now)?
A: My favourite track right now would have to be a remix of the 'Snow Patrol' song Open Your eyes, with 'Dj Marky and Bungle' on remix duties. The sound of this track is almost indescribable, combining equal parts powerful emotional male vocals with destructive bass lines and synths. I have found that anything with a recognizable vocal in it always works well on a dance floor. Even while dancing people want to be able to sing along, even if they don't know the words.
Q: What's your favourite track of all time?
A: This would definitely be the track Drowning by 'Cleveland Lounge' with a remix by 'AK1200'. This was one huge tune from back in 2000 made even larger by one of the pioneers of Drum and Bass. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Dave “AK1200” Minner, and was lucky enough to get my vinyl copy of the track signed by the one and only.
Q: How did you get into DJ-ing?
A: Well when I first started getting into the scene and collecting any and all music that could be classified as “electronc”. I found that most DJs I would go out and see weren't playing any of that music that I enjoyed. The stuff I was hearing was frankly giving the music I loved a bad name. Fitting into all the negative stereo types that are touted by the general public; too repetitive, no melodies, and just plain sounding bad. So I spent quite a few years locked away in my room with a pair of turn tables trying to make a go of it.
Q: What's the best memory you've got involving music?
A: Most of my good memories involve music, but if I had to pick just one it would be when I was having a conversation with a complete stranger about the local electronic music scene. He had mentioned a recent demo mix he had got his hands on, and how he'd had been listening to it on repeat ever since. So as it turns out it was actually one of my mixes that he'd been listening too. This was the first time the knowledge that my music was impacting people I didn't even know hit me full force.
Q: What's your latest mix/set and what inspired it?
A: My latest mix is the final installment in a four part seasonal series I worked on last year. I created a new mix for the beginning of each season, starting with spring and ending with winter. Each mix was meant to encapsulate a feeling associated with the given season. Spring was bouncy and up beat, Summer was kind of a joke mix of some of the most cheesy pop influence stuff I could find. Fall was very dark and moody, and then Winter was filled with melodic and smooth sounds. The intent was to have it be the musical accompaniment to sitting inside with some hot coco and watching the snow fall.
Q: What do you want people to get from listening to your sets?
A: I could be all deep and say that I want people to experience some sort of emotional connection with the music that I play. But in all seriousness I play dance music, so as long as I've got someone taping their feet or bobbing their head, my work is done.
Q: Are you working on anything right now?
A: I'm currently trying to get a full album of self produced tracks together. However with no formal music training and self teaching all the software, the learning curve has been pretty steep. The results so far have surprised even myself however, and I hope to have something final within a year.
Q: Where can your fans find your tunes, or where can they see you play?
A: Well you can become a fan on facebook pages under “Dezine”, all my recent mixes are update on there as well. If facebook isn't your thing I recently had the privilege of being asked to join the liquidfunk.ca website. This is a locally hosted, but world known site for Victoria and area Drum and Bass DJs. As for playing out, I can be seen usually once a month at Hush nightclub, dropping some of the most tear out tracks you've ever heard. If the club isn't your scene I can be found under Lyall's Place playing something with a smoother vibe at The Whitebird Lounge. [Dottie's note: And they have an amazing martini - The Geisha, that I highly recommend!]
Q: What inspires your music making?
A: I've always been big into music, even though I never actually learned to play any instruments. My mom said she would put head phones on her pregnant belly to make me stop fussing in utero. So I particularly enjoy musics ability to completely change one's emotional state. A bad day can be ended simply by hearing certain notes arranged in a pleasant fashion. Or a good day can be soured by the opposite.
Q: What type of music do you play?
A: I play a type of music called 'Drum and Bass' or sometimes 'Jungle'. It started as Hip-Hop's answer to the House and Disco music that was so prevalent in the early 90s rave and club scene. Drum and Bass, at its core, is essentially just Hip-Hop beats running at double time to give a more punchy dancing feel to them. Since those early days however, it's now a genre that incorporates everything but rocking heavy metal to smooth light jazz. It's definitely this range of sounds and styles that drew me towards the genre.
Q: How long have you been DJ-ing
A: I've been playing records for about 4 years now, and doing studio productions for the past year.
Q: What's your influence? And your inspiration?
A: I'm definitely heavily influenced by a lot of the music that my mom listened to when I was growing up. Mostly old folk stuff like Paul Simon and anything with powerful female vocalists like Jan Arden or Tracey Chapman. So needless to say I never found commonality with any other kids on issues of music. When every one else was listening to Green Day, Metallica, and Blink 182, I was decidedly on a different musical path.
My inspiration today comes from all the new artists that show up in the scene on almost a weekly basis. Specifically the likes of two artists, one called 'Netsky' and another 'Bop'. Both are also extremely new to the scene having only shown up in the past year. While Netsky has taken the sounds and styles of artists that have come before him and put his own unique touch to it. Bop however, is championing a sound unlike anything anyone else is making anywhere. Both are amazing artists that I highly recommend looking into, even if you don't fancy yourself a fan of of electronic music.
Q: What's your favourite track (out there right now)?
A: My favourite track right now would have to be a remix of the 'Snow Patrol' song Open Your eyes, with 'Dj Marky and Bungle' on remix duties. The sound of this track is almost indescribable, combining equal parts powerful emotional male vocals with destructive bass lines and synths. I have found that anything with a recognizable vocal in it always works well on a dance floor. Even while dancing people want to be able to sing along, even if they don't know the words.
Q: What's your favourite track of all time?
A: This would definitely be the track Drowning by 'Cleveland Lounge' with a remix by 'AK1200'. This was one huge tune from back in 2000 made even larger by one of the pioneers of Drum and Bass. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Dave “AK1200” Minner, and was lucky enough to get my vinyl copy of the track signed by the one and only.
Q: How did you get into DJ-ing?
A: Well when I first started getting into the scene and collecting any and all music that could be classified as “electronc”. I found that most DJs I would go out and see weren't playing any of that music that I enjoyed. The stuff I was hearing was frankly giving the music I loved a bad name. Fitting into all the negative stereo types that are touted by the general public; too repetitive, no melodies, and just plain sounding bad. So I spent quite a few years locked away in my room with a pair of turn tables trying to make a go of it.
Q: What's the best memory you've got involving music?
A: Most of my good memories involve music, but if I had to pick just one it would be when I was having a conversation with a complete stranger about the local electronic music scene. He had mentioned a recent demo mix he had got his hands on, and how he'd had been listening to it on repeat ever since. So as it turns out it was actually one of my mixes that he'd been listening too. This was the first time the knowledge that my music was impacting people I didn't even know hit me full force.
Q: What's your latest mix/set and what inspired it?
A: My latest mix is the final installment in a four part seasonal series I worked on last year. I created a new mix for the beginning of each season, starting with spring and ending with winter. Each mix was meant to encapsulate a feeling associated with the given season. Spring was bouncy and up beat, Summer was kind of a joke mix of some of the most cheesy pop influence stuff I could find. Fall was very dark and moody, and then Winter was filled with melodic and smooth sounds. The intent was to have it be the musical accompaniment to sitting inside with some hot coco and watching the snow fall.
Q: What do you want people to get from listening to your sets?
A: I could be all deep and say that I want people to experience some sort of emotional connection with the music that I play. But in all seriousness I play dance music, so as long as I've got someone taping their feet or bobbing their head, my work is done.
Q: Are you working on anything right now?
A: I'm currently trying to get a full album of self produced tracks together. However with no formal music training and self teaching all the software, the learning curve has been pretty steep. The results so far have surprised even myself however, and I hope to have something final within a year.
Q: Where can your fans find your tunes, or where can they see you play?
A: Well you can become a fan on facebook pages under “Dezine”, all my recent mixes are update on there as well. If facebook isn't your thing I recently had the privilege of being asked to join the liquidfunk.ca website. This is a locally hosted, but world known site for Victoria and area Drum and Bass DJs. As for playing out, I can be seen usually once a month at Hush nightclub, dropping some of the most tear out tracks you've ever heard. If the club isn't your scene I can be found under Lyall's Place playing something with a smoother vibe at The Whitebird Lounge. [Dottie's note: And they have an amazing martini - The Geisha, that I highly recommend!]
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